Even though Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can eat amazing food without it costing an arm and a leg. You just need to find the right restaurant! Here are tips on 10 tasteful restaurants in all price ranges in the capital that are not to be missed!
Oslo is a popular destination for its food. With great variety and high quality, the Oslo restaurant offerings are both large and diverse. In the capital, you can eat anything from gourmet dishes to Michelin restaurants, Thai, seafood to Mexican and vegan food. No matter what you’re looking for, it’s never far to a good restaurant. Check out our tips here!
1. Gourmet experience at Maaemo
If you are looking for a culinary experience that is both rare and unique at a world-class gourmet restaurant (and you are willing to pay for it), Maaemo is definitely the choice for you! Maaemo is the only restaurant in Norway with three stars in the prestigious Michelin guide (and the first Nordic restaurant with the award). They offer exceptional and innovative cuisine in a minimalist setting. All food served at the restaurant is made of organic and natural ingredients. With only the best of commodities and award-winning chefs, a visit to Maaemo is an experience you will not soon forget.
Where: Schweigaards gate 15B, 0191 Oslo
Make the evening an overnight stay at Clarion Collection® Hotel Folketeateret, which is only 11 minutes on foot from the restaurant and 3 minutes from Oslo Central.
2. Mexican with an American twist at Mucho Mas
In a small room in the middle of Grünerløkka, Mucho Mas has been serving tasty Mexican food with an American twist since 1996. The restaurant is small and casual, popular and serves large portions at reasonable prices. You can enjoy good and hot flavours that suit both young and old in a cosy atmosphere. The restaurant also has good vegetarian options and exciting drinks and is well worth a visit. Tip! Be early – Mucho Mas does not have table reservations!
Where: Thorvald Meyers Gate 36B, 0555 Oslo.
The affordable and snazzy hotel Comfort Hotel® Xpress Youngstorget is just a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
3. Restaurant Eik – award-winning, nice and elegant
At the Clarion Collection® Hotel Savoy, you will find the award-winning Restaurant Eik – recipient of the prestigious Bib gourmand award in the Michelin Guide. Translated into layman’s terms, the prize means that the restaurant serves quality food and at a good value for money. The restaurant has received this fantastic seal of approval 14 times since it first opened 15 years ago. The atmosphere in Restaurant Eik is relaxed, minimalist and the walls are covered with art. The restaurant is an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant dining experience combined with amazing cocktails.
Where: Universitetsgata 11, 0164 Oslo
Combine a unique dining experience with unique hotel accommodation at Clarion Collection® Hotel Savoy.
4. Good quality and a social spot for everyone at Smalhans
With good homemade food served in a cosy atmosphere at reasonable prices, Smalhans has become the local neighborhood restaurant for the whole of Oslo. The meals at the restaurant are good for families, students and friends, but also for business lunches and romantic dinners. Different types of burgers, soups, and a menu inspired by home cooking from all over the world and food based on seasonal ingredients are just some of the things you can expect at this delightful spot. In the evening, choose from a menu that is updated weekly, where the idea is that everyone around the table tries each other’s food. Quite simply a more social meal. It is also worth mentioning that Smalhans has been the recipient of the prestigious Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide since 2016. When will you be reserving a table?
Where: Ullevålsveien 43, 0171 Oslo
5. Tasty Vietnamese food at Lille Saigon 1
Behind a modest entrance is one of Oslo’s best Vietnamese restaurants. Little Saigon 1 has been serving good, authentic Vietnamese food for over 25 years at very decent prices. Because of this, it is often full at the restaurant, which is centrally located on Torggata. If you cannot get a table there, then just take a short walk to the other restaurant, which is located in Seilduksgata on Grünerløkka. Here you will find delicious specialities for around 100 Norwegian crowns and the waiters always have good recommendations. The food is served in simple surroundings with a cafe interior, but it is the food that matters most!
Where: Bernt Ankers gate 7, 0183 og Seilduksgata 17, 0553 Oslo
The restaurant is centrally located and close to the city centre hotels Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret, Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget and Comfort Hotel Grand Central.
6. Enjoy the delights of the sea at Vulkanfisk
In the Mathallen on Grünerløkka you can find good, inspiring food from all the corners of the world. Here you will find Vulkanfisk, the seafood restaurant that loves all food from the sea. Every day, delicious shellfish are delivered to the restaurant and the affiliated fish shop. Enjoy fish soup, mussels or shrimp in the outdoor dining room, or take a seat inside where you can sit ”ringside” and watch the chefs in action while cooking the food in the small kitchen in the middle of the bar. We recommend the bestseller Fish & Chips. If you love fish and seafood then Vulkanfisk is the perfect place for you!
Where: Mathallen – Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo.
If you stay at Comfort Hotel® Xpress Youngstorget, Mathallen and Vulkanfisk are just a 7-minute walk away.
7. Exotic flavours at Yaya’s
Take a step back, relax and think back to your vacation in Thailand. At exotic Yaya’s, which you can find at three different places in the city, you automatically get a relaxed feeling. Delicious Thai dishes are eaten between palm leaves and colourful lamps. Yaya’s is a good budget option with something for the whole family. Fresh produce, colourful spices and dedicated chefs all work together to give you a real taste experience.
Where: The most central restaurant is located at Øvre Vollgate 13 – just 400 meters from Hotel Christiania Teater. The unique hotel right in the heart of Oslo is elegant, charming and gives you a real special hotel experience.
8. Vegan and colourful combinations at Funky Fresh Foods
Also on Youngstorget you will find another popular restaurant, Funky Fresh Foods. Here you get food with exciting flavours in dazzling colour combinations. In addition to making good, organic food, Funky Fresh Foods also lay great store on spreading knowledge and information about food and how it affects us and our environment. Funky Fresh Foods a popular vegan cafe restaurant serving everything from wraps to burgers and tapas.
Where: at DogA – Hausmanns gate 16, 0182 Oslo.
9. Great food and panoramic views at Quality Hotel ™ 33 Top Floor Restaurant
Do you want to get away from the city centre and try something new? At Økern, only 11 minutes by car from the city centre, you will find the award-winning design and conference hotel Quality Hotel 33. At the top of the hotel you will find the magnificent restaurant and bar Top Floor Restaurant. Here you can find tasty food in addition to panoramic views of the entire city and the Oslo Fjord. All food is made from scratch and the chefs at the restaurant always use seasonal ingredients. Here you can taste different dishes, such as the chef’s homemade burgers or a six-course menu. In addition, the hotel has its own pastry shop that makes delicious world-class desserts and cakes! The hotel has 242 rooms, 17 conference rooms, two restaurants and a bar. Perfect for a Staycation or your next business meeting!
Where: Østre Aker vei 33, 0581 Oslo.
10. Enjoy food in a historic setting at Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri
Since the beginning of the 18th century people have gathered in what is one of Oslo’s oldest buildings. At Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri you can eat and drink and enjoy the historical surroundings. Focusing on service and quality, the staff and the chefs provide you with a wonderful experience. Here you get traditional home cooking with a modern twist – whether you come alone or with 300 friends. Is it a special occasion? At Stortorvet Gjæstgiveri you can also reserve private rooms with custom menus.
Where: Grensen 1, 0159 Oslo.
Where will your next dining experience in the Norwegian capital be? Combine it with a wonderful hotel experience. See all our hotels in Oslo and book your next stay.
